Health Library

Nicotine (Into the nose)

Nicotine (NIK-oh-teen)

Helps you quit smoking.

Brand Name(s):

Nicotrol NS

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Spray

• Use the medicine as directed. It is not meant to be used for more than 6 months.
• This medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Stop smoking completely before you begin to use this medicine.
• Prime the spray before you use it the first time. Hold a tissue or paper towel over the tip. Pump the bottle 6 to 8 times until some of the medicine sprays out. Now it is ready to use. Prime the spray by pumping 1 or 2 times if you have not used the medicine for 24 hours or longer.
• Before using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.
• Tilt your head back slightly and breathe through your mouth. Spray the medicine once into each nostril. Do not sniff, breathe through your nose, or swallow while spraying. After using the spray, if your nose runs, sniff gently. You can blow your nose after 2 or 3 minutes.
• Do not use the spray more than 5 times in 1 hour or more than 40 times in 24 hours.
• If the spray bottle breaks or medicine leaks out of the bottle, wear rubber gloves to wipe up the spill. Wash the spill area completely because the medicine can be absorbed through your skin.
• When the bottle is empty, replace the cap and throw it away. Make sure children and pets do not have access to a used bottle.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco while you use this medicine because of the risk of nicotine overdose. Do not use any other nicotine products, including patches or gum.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine while you are pregnant. Smoking can seriously harm your unborn child. The risks of using this medicine during pregnancy are not fully known.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, blood circulation problems (such as Buerger disease, Raynaud disease), diabetes, heart disease, angina, high blood pressure, a stomach ulcer, thyroid problems, or adrenal problems (such as pheochromocytoma). Tell your doctor if you had a recent heart attack or have any nose or sinus problems, such as allergies, infections, or polyps.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Breathing problems in patients with asthma
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest discomfort or trouble breathing
• Dizziness, headache, upset stomach, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, cold sweats, blurred vision, trouble hearing, confusion, fainting, or weakness
• Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Severe sores, crusting, redness, or irritation in your nose

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation
• Hot peppery feeling in your throat or nose, cough, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, watery eyes
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024